Bladdy Ell, 2016 went like a thunder bolt and now we’re sizzling into 2017 with new beginnings, resolutions (if you believe in any of that stuff) and all new adventures this years about to throw at us.

I never do the resolution kind of thing, you know the “I won’t eat chocolate” because, I know I bliming well will. Or the “I won’t drink for the whole month of January because I’m a strong ass individual”, because lets be honest, I BLIMING WELL WILL.

Instead, I have my own way of doing resolutions. Let’s call it, more mental, experience style things. If that was even a “thing” to begin with. Yep, I’m one of those hippies that wanders my flat with incense and has Chakras, stones and shit and I’m pretty darn happy about it.

Last year, I made it my mission to say “YES” to more things. Instead of hiding away or putting things in the back-burner, I went for whatever I wanted straight away, did things I knew were out of my comfort zone and started doing before I started thinking. You see, to be honest, I’m a little bit of a natural worrier. I care deeply for things, if not, perhaps too deeply, and I learnt that sometimes you need to let it all go and give it to the hands of someone else. There’s so much we can all physically, emotionally and mentally do and although selflessness is a beautiful trait, it can also inhibit you from doing so much you truly want.

So, I started to go for more things and whilst people I knew complained that their 2016 had been shit, I looked back with only happiness and positivity. Of course, I’m human and I had a couple of down times, losing my Godmother but It also made me live my life to the full for her. So much can be said for the “outlook” you have, that gives so much to the experiences you make. Instead of treading on your tip-toes or sprinting your way to the finish line, try and take everything in, day by day and if you want to do something, DO IT.

There’s a quote that goes something like “your vibe attracts your tribe” and as cheeeeessssy as it may sound, I couldn’t agree more. Whatever you give off, you get given back and it’s actually pretty amazing what a simple smile, a shit joke or the ability to let yourself go can do for other people and likewise, for you.

So, although I conquered my 2016 plan, I have set myself another; To do things slowly. My mind flickers in all directions and I’m either racing to get something done once I have an idea or making a tea so fast I smash the cup. And although, I like the flicker, taking a step back and enjoying the ride is my new endeavour. I’m also gonna be learning a couple of new things ie: The Guitar I have which is such a lost cause and to start up an Exhibition of some of my work both written and Art related. Because there’s a great sense of freeness when you do what you want for you and you alone with no great accolade but personal achievement on the other side.

Sorry for my few month hiatus! But hopefully you’ll be able to forgive me with my post on all things musiquaaaaah.

The past couple months have been so bloody busy for me BUT it’s given me a little time to source some new music and vibe out some tunes i didn’t know existed. Last week, i met one of the music producers from Made in Chelsea and we got chatting about all things makeup (obviously) and bands that have either faded out, up and coming and in general, good, looked over hits that no one knows about. We shared some of our favourite songs with each other and being true to my word, i did go home and check those bands she recommended.

The best way to discover music is by stepping out of your comfort zone a little bit and be open minded to what’s out there. Hey, I even remember going to a blue-grass gig and inside i was like “no, no, noooo, this totally isn’t my thing”, but, with a couple beers in hand, my bessie mate and a sweaty musician giving it his all on the Pizzicato (a string instrument you basically slap), i was converted.

Soooo…ive compiled a little list of tracks i’ve been listening to at the moment to get you inspired.

This song is only included on Soundcloud but you can check out their other stuff on Youtube. They’re a really low key band from Chicago, with melodic, somber elements that lift with its sixty style singers and instrumentalists.

Between us, i never really listened to this band much and i didn’t think it was “my thing”, but i came across this one-off song and it really stuck. It’s got this folky/magical vibe to it which i think is really sweet and might of just made me like them more..

This song’s from Rhye’s Album called “Woman” and it mixes rhythm and blues with electronica. They sound abit like an American Version of “Disclosure” but i like the soulful, whimsicalness of this little tune.

Alright, so she’s a little bit of my guilty pleasure but wait. Doesn’t she sound like CHER?! I’m pretty envious of the styling in this video and makes a play on Marilyn Monroe’s Glamour with her poppy/techno beats.

These guys are a musical duo from Yorkshire, and although i haven’t really listened to much of their other music, i think this song is just a simple alternative/indie tune to get you into the stuff they produce.

Little Rose Bud. That was one of my nicknames growing up. I can’t really tell you why, but i’d sign off any letters i wrote under that name like it was my destined alias. Weren’t i cool? Then, after my invisible pen pal days were over, i decided to think about its literal meaning of growth and how many might be discouraged by it’s thorns, rather than the bloom inside.

And hey, not everyone is gonna want a bunch of roses, are they? Some might be a sunflowers kinda gal or daffodil kinda guy or they might hate every living plant, butttttttttt each to their own. We’ve all got our acquired tastes don’t we?

It’s only now reaching that big (for me), not so big (for others) age of twenty five, that I’ve found my own place of calm and really concentrated on what i think, rather than being blurred or undeterred of others thoughts..so i’ll tell you a secret.

At School i was bloody terrible at everything. Real hideous. I failed pretty much everything and spent more time drawing pattern ink on my hands pretending i was a tattoo artist and throwing paper aeroplanes around the room, than i was listening in a classroom or watching a historical video about Egyptians. My teachers thought I’d fail and i thought i’d grow up being this old lady with no real life success but with a strong entourage of cats around me. But what they didn’t know, is that i had my own ideas for the future and watching that Egyptian video was not a part of it. But the cats probably were.

I grabbed every opportunity by the hands, said yes to everything, (especially alcohol) and worked hard for what i wanted. I made decisions based on instinct, went out of my way to do things outside the box and allowed my passion to navigate me to where i needed to be. In essence, i learnt to risk take. That to me, became my true rosebud moment. The moment i realised that it takes time to take everything in, digest and experience things in life before you can set off on your adventure alone till the bud is just a symbol of the past.

Obviously, i have a long way to go and my mind pretty much never switches off into thinking about my next project or idea, but rather than be more like something else, be more like whoever the hell it is that you are. As you can tell, i’m a massive advocate of self courage and i am all in for those that stick their middle finger up to tradition and do something a little different regardless of what everyone else might think. Even if people might think this post is lame, well then, great, you have an opinion. Good for you- vocalise it, chat about it, make use of that dam thing that connects your brain to your vocal chords and let people know your voice exists. But please, please, please, don’t go hiding or allow others to decide what you’re gonna be or who you are. Because we’re all on this little journey together, getting it right, getting it wrong but your willingness to search, learn and find your own rose bud moment will be enough and will take you to exactly where you need to be.

I’d hate to admit it, but my hand in that picture is pretty much how it looks day to day. It’s like wearing a semi-permanent tattoo that somehow transfers over all my clothes at the end of a long day. I wash them ALL the time and it still happens. In fact, this morning I woke to find some of my hair was red. I racked my brains to figure why and then it came to me….last nights neon red lipstick I smothered all over my chops. But you know what, when I do make-up I usually go ALL out…but what about those that feel a little intimated by huge draping and splatters of colour and want that “I’ve pretty much got nothing on but I’m deceiving you” look?

For those “Allers”, yep, my new coined name for you folks. I hand on heart hail you for your incredible ability to express whatever you want externally and to play, play, playyyyyyy with products, colour and textures. You, my friends, are pretty much the creators of all the trends for testing these out first-hand and giving people afraid to try a little variety and support in their make-up journey.

If you’ve read my posts before, you’ll know I was scared to try new things and embrace being different but it takes courage and a little inspiration to learn to embrace it. I pretty much spent a hell load of my pocket money as a kid on every magazine each month and was totally obsessed with Molly Ringwald in Pretty and Pink and Costume Designer Patricia Field that i wanted to take on my scoop on fashion via makeup.

So if you’re like me and you’re up for trying pretty much anything, i give you a few new products i’m dying to try and i think you Allers might vibe off too….

I don’t really know where to begin with this brand. I’m just in deep, non apologetic love with them. Firstly, they’re cruelty and Vegan Free and the colour options are beyond what you’d find in the high street. These Perlees Lipsticks are perfect for the metallic trend and are so long wearing you could bend down and kiss the floor for Lime Crime bringing them out. My personal favourite shades from this selection are; Beetle, Penny and Roswell

Not long ago my Instagram feed was bulked up with images of this brands lipsticks and I thought it was a joke. Ever wanted a Jelly formulated lipstick with flower petals inside? Not only is it probably the most beautiful lipstick I’ve ever glimpsed my eyes on in a feed scroll, but they’re in such high demand right now, they’re all out of stock! So get ordering now if you want a lipstick that’s ALL out there.

I’m sorry, was that Rainbow, i repeat, Rainbow highlighter i just read? Yeah you did! Highlighters hit the web once the strobing trend was going stronger than me struggling to lift the lightest weight at the Gym, but now they are selling them for you Unicorn Lovahs out there. They are taking pre-orders with a waiting list now because everyone wants to grab there hands on them! So for the meantime, feed your highlight addiction with some of Anatastia Beverly Hills Moonchild Glow kits in Pastels and warm sun-dripped tones.

I’ve always thought there is something deeply beautiful about that “non-makeup, makeup look”, that’s been worked on to face perfection. It’s a real science to find the right tones suitable to your skin and eye colouring and once you’ve nailed it, you can rock it so hard, people just think you’re born that way, regardless of Maybelline.

If you want, easy, ready to get out that door Makeup that makes you look like a more “i’ve had an amazing 9 hours of sleep in the tuscan sun” version of you, then i’ve got some gems for you guys…

If you’re someone struggling to find that “perfect” lip shade, Tender talk balm has got this problem solved to a T. The lipbalm is so moisturising and gives you a unique, personalised tint that subtly enhances your natural lip colour. I wear “Candy Wrapped” and every time I wear it, I am so amazed at the natural pink hues it really brings out of my own lip colour. Say bye, bye lip liner, and hello Tender Talk.

This palette is so perfect for playing around with neutrals that will suit ALL skin tones and eye colours. It’s such a universal palette that will see you right through the summer this season. It gives you a choice of shimmer and mattes with cool taupey greys and warm coopers that will lightly give you that enhancement you’re looking for.

This is just the perfect way of lightly adding a little enhancement on the lashes without going for a false lash look effect. Its pretty much a kit in one, where you’re provided with lash curlers, a Kohl pencil and the first launch of the CT Mascara range that will keep them looking real but a little thicker. This is great for a wiser woman, or someone that just wants to add on what they already have without looking over done. Her range also caters to those that do want a false or dolly lash look….so try out the fat lash first…and then work your way up to lash perfection.

So whether you’re an All or Nothing-(er), rock your look and swap it around from time to time. As someone once told me “it’s only make-up, it wipes off!”.

I’m staring at my ASOS Basket which is a saved virtual “wannabe wardrobe” of everything I want to buy, but can’t. It’s depressing as hell at the realisation that my whole-i want/ i need pile is probably worth, well, a hell of a lot and i’m going to L.A soon and need new stuff. Pronto.

Yep. I am going to L TO THE A. Los to the Angeles. Alright, alright, i’ll stop shoving it in your faces, but my fourteen year old past self is jumping up and down about it.

The whole holiday has been pretty last minute and suffice to say, we don’t have anywhere to stay….yet. But for some reason, all I can think about is, what the hell am I gonna wear?

Summer fashion is probably the hardest for me. I like to layer, accessorise and play with different textures and with the heat, it’s pretty near impossible to do those things without either being restricted or boiling your oven body off. I’m also not one to have everything on display, ‘everything’ being my tits and arse basically. I totally give it to the people that can rock their arse and tits like it’s a Ricki Martin Livin’ La Vida Loca old school party with pride but I would be so out of my comfort zone it would look less vida loca more this is a joka.

So what do I do?

When it comes to holidays my packing ethos is pretty simple-shove it in and worry about it later. I’m pretty much a lad about it but with me, shoes take presidence. At 5 ft 7/8 i’m not exactly the shortest bean, but i’ll pretty much never wear flats or the ones I do wear are my Supercolour trainers that give the fake impression i’m sporty. I have a bit of a love affair with heeled boots and heeled sandals and trying to whittle down which pair to pack and which pairs to buy is near impossible for me without weighing down my suitcase. Working in Make-up you’d be right in guessing my makeup bag is pretty HHHHUUGGGEEEE and having to decide what to take and what to leave behind is near impossible. And slightly upsetting.

So for you ladies that need a little help with your holiday worries, i’m on hand to help. Except I won’t be on hand to close your suitcase. Tip: SIT ON IT. JUMP ON IT. Make. It. Close. With. Bladdy. Force. I promise you won’t be paying that extra luggage fare okay…?

One:Kimonos, Kimonos, Kimonos. And need i say, Kimonos? They are the best thing to take with you if you need a beach cover up, something to pop on during the cool evening or if you just fancy adding alittle quirkiness to your everyday outfit. There are so many options from print to length and I would highly suggest packing a couple of these gems to get you through. There’s been many times I’ve been away and hated what clothes i had on me, so i threw on my kimono and wore it as a dress with a belt. Power to the Kimono i say.

Two:Block Heeled Sandals. Note, the word ‘block’ because this is gonna be your key word for these types of shoes. Especially when you’re walking a few blocks. (Sorry for that pun but it was too hard to resist). A block heel is generally the most comfortable shoe because the width of the heel is wide and will support the foot a lot better than your narrow, near impossible not to wobble stiletto heel. It’s also very on trend for S/S 16′, so whether you fancy rocking a Mule heel, chunky platform, 70’s boot or gladiator block sandal, with these guys you’re onto a winner. For colour palettes, i would also opt for one neutral, one print/colour to mix it up depending on what outfit you’re wearing with it. Playing it safe is fine but not playing it safe is funner. So give yourself options!

Three:Denim. Denim has been with us since pretty much day one of existence-ish and is a firm favourite for most of the population. Denim fashion is forever changing in ways to style it and you’ll notice there’s a million ways to infuse it into your holiday wardrobe even in the heat. Denim short dungarees or pinafore dresses are great ways of layering, taking you from a casual day look with a tee to smart/cas, paired with a blouse or lace flared sleeve and those chunky platform boots. Denim Jackets or sleeveless waistcoats are also great ways of dressing your outfit down or for keeping warm when there’s a little breeze.

Four: Slits. Yes, Slits. As weird as it may sound, during the summer period i make it my mission to hunt for clothes that have slits in- such as, maxi dresses, harems or long tops because it’s a subtle way of showing skin while injecting a little “air” in your clothes when it gets super hot.

Five:Makeup wise I look for waterproof based liners and mascaras and usually choose matte textured lipsticks/liquid lipsticks in tones such as oranges, watermelons and chocolate beige’s, so it’s long wearing and i can focus on playing up my lips rather than doing a full smokey eye in the heat. In terms of foundation I will either take a build-able sheer/medium tinted moisturiser and a full coverage foundation. This enables me to have a day to night swap around, as well as mixing them both together for a lighter, not so full all over coverage. A lot of people worry about foundation when their skin changes colour during the heat and i would advise to mix a darker toned face instant tan into your current foundation or simply warm up your completion with an all over face powder in a tone deeper to your skin.

Six:Hair Accessories aren’t raved about enough because when it’s hot, do we really want our long locks, curly hair or thick fringe getting all up in our grill? A simple Bandanna can be worn around the head or can be worn as an improv neck choker. Wack out those 80’s scrunchies and pop your hair up in a high ponytail or why not inject a couple pom poms in there? Braids are pretty big as well as Miley Cyrus buns either side of the head-so play around with accessories and hair gems to add a little hair interest, especially if you’re not keen in wearing lots of metal jewellery.

Seven:BackPacks. I don’t care what anyone says, back packs are in and definitely don’t make you look five. These are absolutely golden for long walks, beach stops and general everyday carrying your shit. They’re big enough to pop in a dress change (should you choose) and you can wack in any necessities for the day. There are SO many different styles from Boho fringing, mini backpacks, embroidered numbers, snakeskin or crocodile print for a sophisticated edge or you’re standard clean line backpack. My black fluffy backpack got me through two months of New York Living and i am so grateful i stumbled across it in Topshop for £15. I call that a deal.

In fact, after writing all this, i’m kind of less stressed out about the whole, what will i wear situation. Though i will note one thing- Wear something that you’re comfortable with and feel emulates you, not just for a holiday. In the past i’d bought things for one purpose and ended up regretting it because it wasn’t really “me”, probably because it was abit titty and arsey and Livin La Vida Loca.